One of the biggest privileges of growing up at Londolozi is being surrounded by the beauty that the African wilderness has to offer. I’ve come to realize that you don’t always need to go out on a game drive to see something spectacular, sometimes all you have to do is walk outside your doorstep. This is particularly true at the moment as wintertime brings an extra splash of colour around camp with our indigenous aloes blooming in vibrant shades of orange, yellow and red. Along with the sea of colourful flowers that the aloes produce, comes an array of just as brightly coloured birds and insects.
In light of appreciating what our camp surroundings have to offer, I decided to wander through the pathways in-between our five camps, as well as our Futuristic African Village to see what beautiful plant life and animals I would stumble upon, and I was not disappointed.
Enjoy this collection of images from my walk.
One of the beautiful visitors the flowering aloes attract – The Collared Sunbird. The sunlight beautifully highlights the iridescent green, blue, and purple feathers around the upper part of its body as it takes a break from fluttering around the aloes in search of nectar.
Every year I look forward to the aloe bloom. The flowers always add a magnificent pop of colour to our Futuristic African Village.
I was met with bright splashes of oranges and yellows around every corner of my walk. This includes the aloe gardens outside the staff housing in the Futuristic African Village.
Not only do I love the brightly coloured flowers that aloe season brings, but also the fascinating insects that the flowers attract. I loved watching this bee collect pollen, which if you look close enough, you’ll be able to see on its hind legs.
I was admiring the beautiful aloes when a pair of fluttering wings caught my eye. This Common Dotted Border butterfly blends in stunningly with the shades of bright yellow and orange on the budding aloe flowers.
I came across a small flock of guineafowls foraging around the aloe gardens in search of insects. This one looked up just long enough for me to capture its striking blue face.
As my walk came to an end and the sun started to set – I was met with this beautiful scene. The afternoon light filtered through the trees as a pair of Nyala wandered through the staff village.
This walk reminded me how important it is to stop and take in the scenery around us, especially when surrounded by the abundance of wildlife and natural splendour that Londolozi has to offer. If you get the chance in-between game drives, I would highly recommend taking a stroll through the beautiful camp pathways. You never know what colourful creatures and plant life you may encounter.
Thanks for the leisurely stroll thru Londolozi from afar! Love the colors, aloes, and smaller creatures!!
So glad you enjoyed the blog, Camille!
Love the beautiful aloes at the car park at Founders Camp!
I agree with you Vin, those aloes are spectacular!
Hello Megan, Beautiful pictures! I agree with you, it is importent to open ones eyes to the beauty around us… Importent point that you have lifted!
Thank you for sharing!
Hello Anne, Thank you very much. I’m so glad you enjoyed the message behind this blog.
Megan, thanks for sharing your beautiful walk.
Such a pleasure William, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Such beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing.
I can imagine that growing up at Londolozi must be a bit like a fairy tale with only good fairies…
Thank you Christa, It truly has been a magical experience growing up at Londolozi.
Stunning images, Megan! I’ve never managed to be there when the aloes bloom – they’re gorgeous and you’ve captured them beautifully. And how did you get that guinea fowl to stay still long enough for a shot?!
Thank you so much Mary Beth, hopefully you’ll be able to experience the aloe bloom at Londolozi sometime soon! I got extremely lucky with that guineafowl shot, snapped the picture just at the right moment.
Beautiful photos Megan accompanied by good commentary. Next time I’m there I’ll have to take a walk about with my camera and see what discoveries I can make.
Thank you Denise, I’m looking forward to seeing what photos you capture on your walk!
Hi Megan, I think the same every time I walk in nature… blooming aloes are so striking, many people want them in European countries but they will never be such a view as in their homeland! Butterflies, bees and birds are the perfect match for such generous plants in a concert of colours. A very lovely blog very appreciated!
Hi Francesca, I’m so glad you enjoyed the blog. The colours during the aloe bloom are truly spectacular!
How lucky are you Megan to grow up in a place so rich in beauty and wildlife. The colours of the aloes are so vibrant and provide such a rich source of nectar and pollen for insects and birds. I loved all your photographs but particularly the shot of the helmeted guineafowl.
Hi Jennifer, I’m so glad you enjoyed the photographs. The Helmeted guineafowl is such a uniquely beautiful bird.
Megan, How special that you have been so lucky to grow up at Londolozi and be surrounded by such beauty and guided by such passionate family members and your “Londolozi family”! We are super impressed by your beautiful images and look forward to seeing more and meeting you on our next vist!
Thank you so much Michael and Terri, I feel so lucky to be part of the Londolozi family. I’m looking forward to meeting you both on your next visit!
The collard sunbird shows off their beautiful array of colours. Your foto’s are beautiful and the different colours are astounding Megan. You are so privileged to be able to see this beauty everyday.
Thank you so much Valmai, it is truly a privilege to live at Londolozi.